Mind brings together sector experts to discuss how we make sure our mental health system works for us all
On Thursday 03 September, mental health charity Mind held a roundtable at Westminster to bring together a range of experts from across the sector to discuss the role mental health services need to play to - prevent people from reaching crisis point – and keep people in crisis, their loved ones and the public safe.
Following an increased focus on the topic of violence and mental health in light of recent tragedies, the discussion highlighted the need to have an open and honest conversation about how the sector can prevent similar tragic incidents in the future – including voices from policy and decision makers as well as those in the media.
Topics discussed included the changes needed to make sure our mental health system can ensure both public safety and high-quality support for patients, as well as the role of media in reporting on such events – particularly on those from racialised communities.
Panellists at the event included:
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Dr Sarah Hughes, (Chief Executive of Mind)
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Rai Waddingham (Trainer and Consultant, Behind The Label).
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Julian Hendy (CEO of Hundred Families)
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Sir Norman Lamb (Former Liberal Democrat MP and Minister of State for Care and Support);
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Lynette Charles (CEO of, Mind in Haringey);
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Seena Fazel (Professor of Forensic Psychiatry, University of Oxford)
Dr Sarah Hughes, Chief Executive of Mind, says:
“Far too often, public discourse on violence and mental health has been stigmatising and harmful - reducing an incredibly complex and sensitive subject that requires nuance into a sensationalised and polarising debate. We all want the same thing – people to get the right support early on to prevent tragic incidents where someone is unable to keep themselves - or others – safe.
"The event’s aim was to discuss openly the reality for people with severe mental illness when needing support, as well as how we can make sure services can better protect patients, staff, families, and the public, in light of recent tragedies.
“My feeling is that we haven’t always been able to articulate the topic of violence and mental health well to the public and ultimately, we have softened the truth. Stigma and discrimination are incredibly harmful, however our efforts to reduce them have, at times, meant that some of the most difficult topics have been brushed under the carpet. That’s why it’s so important to bring together a wide range of experts and experiences to have an open and honest conversation.
“Crucially, there is a role for Mind – and the sector as a whole - to show that patient and public safety are not mutually exclusive. Both are possible if we want to change our mental health system so people can get the right care before or after reaching crisis point.”
